/ Isle of Wight Trip Activities / Ruin of a Mighty Bishop’s Palace
Sherborne Old Castle offers an evocative and adventurous setting for students during a residential stay in Dorset. Built in the 12th century by the powerful Bishop of Salisbury, these impressive ruins serve as a tangible link to the wealth and military might of the Medieval / Middle Ages. Youngsters can explore the soaring Great Gatehouse and the remains of the curtain walls, gaining a first-hand perspective on how a castle was designed to both impress visitors and repel invaders.
The site is a fantastic outdoor classroom for studying the evolution of Castles & Defences. Pupils can investigate the strategic landscape, including the deep decorative moat and the thick stone masonry that withstood centuries of conflict. The story of the castle spans several eras, from its Norman foundations to the Elizabethan period when Sir Walter Raleigh attempted to modernise the structure, providing students with a rich narrative of changing architectural tastes and political fortunes.
A visit here concludes with the dramatic events of the English Civil War, where the castle was famously besieged and eventually slighted by Parliamentarian forces. This allows youngsters to discuss the impact of the Stuarts and the reality of 17th-century warfare. With plenty of open space for supervised exploration and a peaceful atmosphere that encourages historical imagination, the Old Castle ensures a memorable experience that perfectly balances educational value with the fun of discovering a real-life ruin.
Here's some of the most frequently-asked questions about school visits to Sherborne Old Castle, posed by teachers and other group leaders
In the event of an emergency, the primary assembly point is the main car park outside the castle gate. Teachers must lead pupils away from the stone ruins immediately, following the main path, and conduct a full headcount at the muster point.
A first aid kit is kept at the admission point near the entrance. While English Heritage staff can assist, school groups are required to have their own qualified first aider and carry a mobile medical kit for the duration of the visit.
The ruins have steep drops and fragile masonry; youngsters must be supervised at all times and are strictly forbidden from climbing on the ancient walls. Groups are also asked to respect the peaceful atmosphere for other visitors to the site.
